Parma Police: Children among 5 taken into custody after attempted store theft

PARMA -- Parma police have five people in custody who they believe are connected to shoplifting thefts in at least two states, Det. Marty Compton said.

The three adults and two children, ages 8 and 10, were held after being involved in a robbery at Macy's on West Ridgewood Drive in Parmatown Wednesday.

The children were seen entering Macy's, along with Amina Sanders Frye, 34. They were seen shoplifting items, then tried to leave the store without even trying to pay for the items, Compton said.

When confronted by store security officers, Compton said a struggle ensued. Then, police say, Diana Burton, 64, entered the store and became involved in the altercation.

She was followed by her son, Donald Burton, 37, who police say punched one of the security personnel in the face.

All of the suspects were eventually able to leave the store and get into a silver 2009 Chevy Suburban with an llinois license plate.

Parma police officers were just arriving at the store and caught them before the Suburban could pull away from the curb.

The entire incident was captured on Macy's store surveillance video.

When police inventoried the Suburban, they say they found numerous credit cards, gift cards, receipts and property believed to be stolen.

Further investigation revealed that the credit cards had been used in both the Chicago and Cleveland areas.

Police are trying to identify the victims connected to these items. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Parma Police Crime Tip Line at (440) 887-7340.